updated 7:47 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2007

CENTENNIAL, Colo. - Super-fast computers normally used only during emergencies were to be staffed Monday so state employees could buy Rockies World Series tickets online.

Until word of the plan got out, that is.

“I need volunteers to help push buttons in attempting access,” David Holm, recently the acting director of the state Division of Emergency Management, said in an e-mail obtained and released by KUSA-TV on Friday. “You will need to use break time, lunch time or leave time to do this and the only real perk I can offer right now is that if someone does not pay for their tickets within 3 days, you will get first crack at them.”

The computers in the Emergency Operations Center are normally activated during tornadoes, floods, snowstorms and fires.

“Taxpayers did not invest in an emergency response center so that state employees could use it for their own personal advantage and buy baseball tickets,” said Chantelle Taylor, a spokeswoman for Colorado Ethics Watch.

Department of Local Affairs Director Susan Kirkpatrick initially approved the plan, saying she did so to prevent her employees from leaving work to buy tickets. She said her technology department said it would not compromise security.

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The Rockies abandoned their plans to sell World Series tickets in person by a lottery system on Wednesday, deciding online sales would be fairer.

The online-only sales will begin at 10 a.m. local time Monday.

Denver Public Library branches that usually open at 10 a.m. were to open 15 minutes early so fans without Internet access could buy tickets.

Prices range from $65 to $250 and are limited to four per person. Games 3, 4 and 5 (if necessary) are scheduled in Denver Oct. 27-29.

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